Atlanta First United Methodist Church in

Atlanta First United Methodist Church in Georgia is set to hold a sanctuary tour.

In a Facebook post, the church said the tour would teach and inform participants about the architecture and art of Atlanta’s oldest protestant church.

Atlanta First United Methodist Church will reopen the doors to its sanctuary and archives for tours as part of its 175th-anniversary celebration on Saturday, Oct. 29, from 11 to 2 p.m., according to the church.

Renderings of the historic Wesley Chapel and artifacts from other noteworthy Atlantans will be on display, the church said.

The church said the presentation will include images of their upcoming affordable housing development as well as clips from feature films that were shot at the church.

Atlanta First United Methodist Church's website offered self-guided tours for all of the attractions.

There will be experts available to respond to inquiries, according to the church.

The church said admission is free, however, donations are always welcome to support the growth and presentation of history.

Other ways to donate are detailed at atlantafirstumc.org/give.

Church’s Roots

Atlanta First United Methodist Church stated that its history focuses more emphasis on sites and buildings than it does on specific people, even though the church's past is primarily about people.

In order for the church to expand and prosper during the period of its first 170 years, years of faith, sympathy, and sacrifice had been made, which were appreciated by the congregation, the church said.

According to Atlanta First United Methodist Church, both historically and today, well-known people have made a substantial contribution to Atlanta's development.

The congregation said that the church has repeatedly chosen to remain in the city center because it can meet the spiritual requirements of both wealthy and less privileged members there.

A generous man by the name of Samuel Mitchell gave the Methodists a sizable tract of property in 1845, according to Atlanta First United Methodist Church.

According to the church, Peachtree, Pryor, and Houston Streets form the three corners of a triangle-shaped plot (near where the Georgia Pacific building stands).

It stated that a small log cabin with chimneys on either end was built there. It further stated that it operated as a school during the week and as a church on Sundays.

The establishment of the Union Sabbath School, a multireligious Sunday school, was announced by Atlanta First United Methodist Church.

According to the church, preaching services were held for all three denominations: Presbyterians, Baptists, and Methodists.

Gathering for Worship

Atlanta First United Methodist Church said local pastors said that people were assembling for worship.

Small groups reportedly congregated in residences, Peachtree Street and Auburn Avenue warehouses, and even the Georgia Railroad's offices to hold services and plan future endeavors.

The 175th anniversary of Atlanta First United Methodist Church's foundation will be commemorated in 2022, according to the church's website.

Given how long the church has been serving God and the community, they appreciate the story of the church being portrayed from a very high perspective.